| Requirement | Missouri |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | 72 hours |
| Exam administrator | Pearson VUE |
| License / application fee | n/a |
| Exam fee | n/a |
| Regulator | Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) |
| Payroll-employed agents (BLS) | 1,590 |
| Agent median pay (BLS May 2025) | $43,960 |
Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in Missouri
To get a Missouri real estate salesperson license you complete 72 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE-administered exam, clear a background check and affiliate with a sponsoring broker. The Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) sets the rules and issues the license.
What are the requirements for a Missouri real estate license?
Missouri requires 72 hours of approved pre-license education, a passing score on the Pearson VUE salesperson exam, a background check and sponsorship by a licensed broker. The table lists each requirement, the published fees WealthyBud could source and the regulator.
What are the steps to get licensed in Missouri?
Getting licensed in Missouri takes six steps: meet eligibility, finish 72 hours of pre-license education, pass the Pearson VUE exam, clear a background check, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, then apply and activate with the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC).
1/ 6
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) lists any residency or other conditions.
2/ 6
Complete 72 hours of pre-license education
Missouri requires 72 hours from a state-approved real estate school, in a classroom or online.
3/ 6
Pass the Missouri salesperson exam
The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and covers national real estate principles plus Missouri law.
4/ 6
Clear the background check
Submit fingerprints or a criminal-history check as required by the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC).
5/ 6
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker
A new Missouri salesperson must work under a licensed broker before practicing.
6/ 6
Apply and activate the license
File the application and pay the license fee to the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC), then activate under your broker.
How much does a Missouri real estate license cost?
Missouri's published costs in WealthyBud's sources are: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Pre-license course tuition is set by each school and is not regulated, so it is not listed. Confirm every fee with the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) before applying.
How much do licensed agents earn in Missouri?
Payroll-employed real estate sales agents in Missouri earned a median of $43,960 in May 2025 (BLS); the bottom 10% earned under $30,160. See the full Missouri agent salary breakdown.
What are Missouri’s housing markets like for new agents?
WealthyBud tracks 25 Missouri housing markets. Their median listing prices have a midpoint of $264,950 as of September 2026, from $128,000 in Kennett to $392,500 in Columbia; 10 of 25 are below last year's asking price.
| Market | Median list price | YoY | Days on market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO | $285,950 | -4.7% | 50 | 7,154 |
| Kansas City, MO | $389,975 | +0.8% | 50 | 6,560 |
| Springfield, MO | $347,268 | +6.5% | 52 | 1,710 |
| Branson, MO | $274,950 | -3.9% | 97 | 962 |
| Joplin, MO | $250,000 | +0.6% | 51 | 742 |
All tracked markets: Missouri housing market hub.
Missouri real estate license FAQ
How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license in Missouri?
Missouri requires 72 hours of state-approved pre-license education before the salesperson exam, according to WealthyBud's compilation of Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) requirements.
How much does a Missouri real estate license cost?
Published fees in WealthyBud's sources: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Course tuition varies by school. The Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) publishes the current fee schedule.
Who administers the Missouri real estate exam?
Pearson VUE administers the Missouri salesperson exam.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in Missouri?
No. Missouri requires pre-license education and a passing exam score, not a college degree. You must generally be 18 with a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Who regulates real estate agents in Missouri?
The Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) licenses and regulates Missouri real estate salespersons and brokers and is the authoritative source for current rules.
Licensing rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the Missouri Real Estate Commission (MREC) before enrolling.